The Unknowns inherent to our professional lives are staggering; naturally they can cause a lot of stress. Scenario planning is a logical stress mitigation tool-identifying the “worst case scenario” and strategizing a rebound can add great peace of mind. But as the global economy continues to shift and shake , we’re constantly reminded that we can’t have a plan for every possible outcome. And this reality is what stress me the most. And not the temporary “good stress” – as when you’re watching a sport or giving a presentation, or proposing to your girlfriend – I’m talking about chronic stress.

The kind that will kill you faster than lack of sleep, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and alcohol abuse combined.

Everyone reading this can relate, because as business people it’s our job to be prepared for the unexpected, to have answers when the unforeseen arrives. Not having those answers is well….stressful.

Unfortunately, we can’t change the ebb and flow of geopolitics and the global economy. The best we can do is to identify the necessary resources to weather an unforeseen loss of revenue or a drastic increase in costs. Nine out of ten times, cash is that necessary resource. The most successful businesses know this well: the single best defense against an unpredictable business environment is a cash position which remains strong throughout the business cycle.

The preceding has not been pulled from thin air. A primary reason traditional financing isn’t available to those who most need it is that banks are stockpiling cash in anticipation of the next unforeseen economic catastrophe.

In doing so, banks are able to protect shareholder value and preserve financial stability; for various reasons (not the least, common sense), we expect this strategy to continue.

Small and medium import businesses need to know they can implement the exact same strategy to protect their livelihood as global banks do for their shareholders.

They need to know there are tools designed specifically for them to achieve this end; tools that give even startup businesses (among the least credit-worthy) the power to hedge against their worst case scenario by keeping cash reserves strong.

Since 1999, we have been laser-focused on helping importers by maximizing available resources throughout the business cycle.

WESTCAP has relieved a lot of stress over the years, and we can do it for you.

One of our experienced professional would be happy to help you strategize for future success.

 Frontier markets, including Ghana and Nigeria, are not immune from sell-off pressures in emerging economies. There is therefore periodic risk of currency depreciation, FX reserve depletion and capital flight.

Although per capita incomes have improved, poverty remains pervasive in some rural areas.

The documentary letter of credit (“LC”) is a key payment method in international trade – not only does it satisfy both the seller’s and the buyer’s conflicting needs, but it also is considered to be relatively risk free……

Letter of credit fraud is becoming increasingly common and ever more sophisticated. Although the Uniform Customs and Practice Rules 600 (UCP 600) is frequently incorporated by express agreement into letters of credit, it makes limited reference to fraud………